Expulsion of Asians from Uganda

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In early August 1972, the President of Uganda Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of his country's Indian minority, giving them 90 days to leave the country.^[1][2] At the time, South Asians in East Africa were simply known as "Asians".^[3] They had come to dominate trade under British colonial policies.^[3]

The original August 4 order applied only to British subjects of South Asian origin, but was expanded on August 9 to citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.^[4] It was later expanded to include 20,000 Ugandan citizens of South Asian ethnicities (later rescinded).^[4][3] At the time of the expulsion, there were about 80,000 individuals of Indian descent in Uganda, of whom 23,000 had their applications for citizenship both processed and accepted.^[5][6][7] The expulsion took place against the backdrop of anti-Indian sentiment and black supremacy in Uganda, with Amin accusing a minority of the Indians of disloyalty, non-integration, and commercial malpractice, claims that Indian leaders disputed.^[5] Amin defended the expulsion by arguing that he was "giving Uganda back to ethnic Ugandans".^[6]

Many of those who were expelled were citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies and 27,200 emigrated to the United Kingdom. Of the other refugees who were accounted for, 6,000 went to Canada, 4,500 refugees ended up in India and 2,500 went to nearby Kenya or to Pakistan.^[6] Departing Asians were limited to $120 and 485 lb (220 kg) of property.^[3] In total, some 5,655 firms, ranches, farms, and agricultural estates were confiscated, along with cars, homes and other household goods.^[6]

The expulsion did significant damage to both Uganda's economy and international reputation. Many world leaders condemned the expulsion and several nations, particularly the United Kingdom and India, cut diplomatic ties as a result. The economy suffered a significant drop in GDP as many native Ugandans lacked the expertise necessary to operate their newly acquired businesses. Following the accession of Yoweri Museveni to the presidency, some Indian Ugandans returned.